August 29, 2024
Though they’re often mistaken as the same role, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists are very distinct positions. Both roles are integral to the smooth operation of a pharmacy and involve working closely with medications, but they differ significantly in terms of their responsibilities, educational requirements, and scope of practice.
For instance, pharmacy technicians are typically tasked with dispensing medication, managing inventory, and assisting with customer support under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. It’s possible to earn your pharmacy technician diploma in as little as 9 months.
In contrast, licensed pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, enabling them to offer a broader range of services — including developing personalized medication therapy plans, providing expert advice on drug interactions, and making critical clinical decisions to optimize patient care. While PharmD programs typically take four years to complete, some can be completed in under 3 years. That being said, most PharmD programs have prerequisites that must be met in order to be admitted/accepted into the program. This can bring the total amount of time spent in school to 8+ years.
Read on to explore other major differences between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.
Pharmacy technicians are medical professionals who collaborate closely with pharmacists to monitor the health and safety of their patients. Their main responsibilities include locating, dispensing, packaging, and labeling prescribed medications. A pharmacist meticulously reviews every medication for accuracy — both upon arrival at the pharmacy and before it is dispensed to the patient.
While pharmacy technicians do not have the authority to verify prescriptions or provide clinical guidance to patients, they must be detail-oriented and adhere to strict regulatory standards. Their primary focus is centered around supporting pharmacists, enabling them to concentrate on more complex aspects of patient care.
Beyond their medication management duties, pharmacy technicians assist with administrative tasks, such as processing insurance claims, managing inventory, and maintaining accurate patient records. They also play a key role in patient education by providing important information about proper usage, dosage, and potential side effects of prescriptions. Each aspect of their work aims to create an efficient workflow that benefits both pharmacy staff and the community they serve.
Pharmacists oversee the overall operations within pharmacies, ensuring that medications are dispensed safely and effectively. Their core responsibility is to fill prescriptions for patients, which requires careful verification of each order for safety, accuracy, and proper formulation. Before providing medications, pharmacists review customers' medication histories to prevent potential interactions with existing treatments.
In addition to filling prescriptions, pharmacists administer vaccines, such as flu shots, and conduct basic health screenings by measuring blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
Pharmacists also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to consult on specific prescriptions to improve patient outcomes. Unlike pharmacy technicians, pharmacists have the authority to prescribe certain non-regulated medications, such as antibiotics and minor pain relievers, which help expand patient access to necessary treatments.
Whether you’re aiming to be a pharmacy technician or a pharmacist, navigating a career in the pharmaceutical field requires a distinct set of skills and attributes. Take a closer look at the most important skills needed to succeed in both professions according to O*NET OnLine:
Skills for Pharmacy Technicians:
To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete a pharmacy tech training program or earn a certificate, which can take about six months to two years, depending on the program. While certification and licensure requirements vary by state, most technicians must pass a national certification exam and meet continuing education requirements.
The process generally involves several key steps:
For more, check out our career guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California.
Becoming a pharmacist involves several critical educational and licensing steps, typically taking around eight to 12 years from the start of undergraduate studies. Below is a brief overview of the process:
A Pharmacy Technician program offers a cohesive, practical way to start a career in healthcare, as most programs can be completed in less than a year. ACC’s pharmacy technician training combines in-person instruction with online coursework, offering a flexible learning environment to accommodate busy schedules. Moreover, ACC’s campuses are institutionally accredited, which can help you feel confident about the quality of your education.
In addition to its industry-current curriculum, a key feature of ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program is its externships. This component gives you the advantage of gaining critical hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Lastly, a Pharmacy Technician program serves as an excellent foray into PharmD programs because it teaches you the foundational knowledge and skills essential for more advanced pharmaceutical studies.
Choosing the right path to begin your career in the pharmaceutical field can feel overwhelming, but the right resources can make the journey smoother. ACC’s accredited Pharmacy Technician program is designed to make your transition into this healthcare role both seamless and fulfilling.
ACC’s program offers hands-on training in classrooms modeled on real-life pharmacy settings. Its curriculum helps prepare you for the professional world, covering subjects like pharmacology, pharmacy law, drug distribution, retail pharmacy, and IV preparation to help ensure your preparedness and confidence as you embark on this rewarding career path.
Start making a difference in patients' lives — explore financial aid opportunities or request more information about ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program. Your future in the pharmaceutical field is just a few steps away!
Ontario Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards.
LA Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.
OC Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.